Nia Thomas
Kathy Hochul has become New York’s newest governor after Anthony Cuomo stepped down following sexual harassment allegations, which he denies.
A report, made up of information gathered from a five-month independent investigation, revealed allegations of non-consensual touching and inappropriate comments by Cuomo to 11 women – including state employees. The report also detailed accusations that Cuomo and his staff attempted to retaliate against one of the accusers.
In a press conference, Cuomo said “The best way I can help is if I step aside and let government get back to the governing.”
Kathy Hochul will make history as his replacement by being the first female governor of New York, the fourth most populous state.
Who is Kathy Hochul?
Described by Cuomo himself as “smart and competent”, the 62-year-old Democrat is of Irish decent and grew up in Buffalo in a family of steelworkers.
Hochul trained as a lawyer, obtaining her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University before heading to Catholic University in Washington D.C. for her law degree. Before being elected to Congress, she worked as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill.
Hochul won her seat in upstate New York in 2011, flipping a traditionally Republican safe-hold which drew attention to her from fellow Democrats. However, in 2012 she lost to the previous Republican representative.
In 2014, she was Cuomo’s running mate in the governor election against Republican Rob Astorino. Hochul diversified the previously all-male slate and drew in support from western New York; winning the election with 54% of the votes cast. The two also won again in November 2018.
Supporter of Women’s Rights
“Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and taken seriously. I support an independent review.”
Kathy Hochul has been a vocal supporter of women’s rights campaigns, particularly those concerning women’s safety. She was an advocate for the “Enough is Enough” campaign, which aimed to “combat sexual assault on college campuses” in New York.
Going back decades, in 2006 – alongside her mother and aunt – Hochul established Kathleen Mary House, which provides domestic abuse survivors and their children with accommodation and advocacy.
Hochul made her support of Cuomo’s accusers clear, releasing a brief statement which said: “Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and taken seriously. I support an independent review.”
Becoming Governor
“And I’m really proud to be able to serve as their governor and I won’t let them down.”
Hochul has been suspected to be Cuomo’s natural heir for a while now and their second win in 2018 certainly bolstered that view. Precedent was set when David Paterson, the lieutenant governor, succeeded Gov. Eliot Spitzor following his involvement in a prostitution scandal.
Hochul was sworn in during a small ceremony on Tuesday 24th August by New York’s chief judge, Janet DiFiore. Following this, she told WGRZ that she could feel “the weight of responsibility” placed upon her shoulders.
“I’ll tell New Yorkers I’m up to the task. And I’m really proud to be able to serve as their governor and I won’t let them down.”
Featured image courtesy of Luca Bravo via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to the image.
Nia Thomas
Nia is a Gender Studies Masters student at the University of Sussex. Having recently graduated with a degree in Political Science, she is keenly interested in current affairs and stories concerning equality and diversity. Away from writing, she is an avid reader and lover of reality TV.